Our verdict
OkCupid matches people on answers to hundreds of optional questions, so you see how well you line up before you message. It is free to use, inclusive, and part of Match Group.
Bottom line: Choose OkCupid if values and conversation matter more to you than photos. If you want a bigger local pool, pair it with Hinge or Tinder.
Great for: Matching on values and answers, not just photos
Not ideal for: People who want a quick, swipe-only experience.
How OkCupid works
OkCupid's idea is that the best first conversation starts from something you actually believe. You answer optional questions — about lifestyle, politics, children, weekends, dealbreakers — and say how important each answer is to you. The site turns that into a match percentage for every profile you see.
In practice that changes how dating feels. Instead of judging a face, you can see that someone shares your views on pets and religion and disagrees about morning people, and you have an opener ready. Profiles have room for real writing, and OkCupid was one of the first mainstream sites to offer wide gender and orientation options and pronouns, which is why it remains popular with LGBTQ+ and non-binary daters.
Who it suits: people who care about values, want conversation before chemistry, and are willing to spend twenty minutes answering questions.
What to watch: answering questions takes time, the strictest filters (Dealbreakers) are paid, and outside cities the pool is thinner than Tinder's. As on any free site, some profiles are inactive — look at when someone was last online.
Our tip: answer at least fifty questions and mark the ones that truly matter as "very important". The match percentage only becomes useful once it has something to work with.
OkCupid at a glance
| Audience | Mostly 20–40; strong in cities and among LGBTQ+ daters |
|---|---|
| Typical goal | Dating and relationships |
| Free version | Yes — Matching questions and match percentage, Messaging with matches, Many gender and orientation options, Browsing and basic filters |
| Paid from | ≈ $10/mo (see all plans) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Match percentage based on real answers
- Free messaging with matches
- Very inclusive for LGBTQ+ and non-binary daters
- Detailed profiles
Cons
- Answering questions takes time
- Best filters are paid
- Smaller in rural areas
- Some inactive profiles
Key features
- Matching questions
- Answer questions about values, lifestyle and dealbreakers and see a match percentage with each person.
- Inclusive identities
- Wide gender and orientation options, plus pronouns on profiles.
- Dealbreakers
- Paid members can make filters strict so people outside them never appear.
How much does OkCupid cost?
| Plan | Indicative price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Matching questions and match percentage, Messaging with matches, Many gender and orientation options, Browsing and basic filters |
| OkCupid Basic | ≈ $10–25/mo | No ads, Unlimited likes, Dealbreaker filters, Read receipts |
| OkCupid Premium | ≈ $20–40/mo | Everything in Basic, See who likes you, See public answers before answering, 3 SuperLikes a week |
Prices are indicative, in US dollars unless another currency is shown, and were checked September 23, 2026. Apps often charge different amounts by country, age, platform and plan length — confirm the final price in the app before paying.
Want the full breakdown and ways to save? Read our OkCupid pricing guide and free trial options.
Is OkCupid safe?
OkCupid offers reporting and blocking. Keep chats in the app until you trust someone, and video-call before meeting.
Before meeting anyone, follow our verification checklist.
Not sure OkCupid is right for you?
These alternatives may suit you better depending on your goals. See all OkCupid alternatives.
Best for: Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s
- Detailed, conversation-friendly profiles
- Strong focus on real relationships
- Free version is usable
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $30/mo
Best for: Free messaging and searching a big pool yourself
- Messaging is free
- Huge, broad membership
- You can search and filter yourself
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $10/mo
Best for: Women who want more control
- Less unwanted messaging for women
- Relationship-minded user base
- Strong verification and safety features
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $15/mo
Compare OkCupid
OkCupid FAQ
Is OkCupid free?
Yes. You can answer questions, match and message for free. Basic and Premium add unlimited likes, dealbreakers and see-who-likes-you.
What is the difference between disabling and deleting OkCupid?
Disabling hides your profile and can be undone; deleting is permanent.
Is OkCupid good for LGBTQ+ people?
Yes — it offers many gender and orientation options and is popular with LGBTQ+ and non-binary daters.